Recent Research Progress on Cultural Ecosystem Services Based on CiteSpace Visualization Analysis

Cultural ecosystem services (CES) are essential facets of ecosystem services, bridging human society, cultural dynamics, and the natural environment. Their role is particularly significant within specific regional contexts, where they profoundly affect both the preservation of ecological integrity and the enhancement of human well-being. In this study, CiteSpace software was utilized to analyze 369 articles sourced from the Web of Science platform spanning the years from 2010 to 2023. The articles' data were visualized and systematically summarized, focusing on the content of the keyword network, high-frequency and central keywords, and the analysis of keyword clusters. The findings underscore a notable evolution in research on CES during the specified period, with the primary focus being on (1) urban parks and green spaces, emphasizing high accessibility and their effect on individual physical and mental well-being, (2) tourist sites offering recreational, aesthetic, and partly spiritual/religious values, and (3) protected areas, focusing on land use, landscape management, and human-land relations. A significant shift in research perspectives has taken place and is characterized by several key transitions: transitioning from monetized to non-monetized methods, expanding from micro-scale analyses to a synthesis of macro-micro perspectives, shifting from simple value assessments to a deeper exploration of human perception and experience, and progressing from singular perspectives to multidisciplinary and multi-perspective approaches. Future research should prioritize interdisciplinary collaborations, especially with the humanities and social sciences, to emphasize the intricate interplay between human and land relationships and CES. Moreover, exploring the various mechanisms and modalities for realizing the value of CES is crucial for fostering the harmonious integration of humanity, nature, and society.